Two-point firearm sling enhanced security sling

ABSTRACT

A security sling for a long barreled firearm having a first strap with a detachable clip for attaching the first strap to the distal end of the firearm&#39;s stock and a releasable clip for attaching the first strap to a second strap that is connected to a two-point sling of the long barreled firearm.

This application claims priority to pending U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/304,904 filed Mar. 7, 2016, which is incorporatedherein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to a system and apparatus thatprovides enhanced security and stability of a two-point long firearmsling and in particular a two-point rifle or shotgun sling having aunderarm strap with connection points to a middle section of the slingand the barrel end of the rifle or shotgun. The underarm strap providesincreased safety and stability while the weapon is not in use by moresecurely placing the weapon against the body of the user.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Gun enthusiasts, hunters, shooting enthusiasts, military personnel andother users of long guns such as rifles and shotguns have long used asling to effectively and somewhat safely carry the weapon while walking,running, crawling, climbing, standing, etc. Most existing long gunslings are fixed in removable fashion to two points on the weapon. Oneend is fixed on or near the stock and the other end of the sling isfixed at a distal end of the barrel. This type of sling is typicallyplaced over one shoulder of the user, often on the side from which auser shoots in those situations where the user may need to draw theweapon quickly. One way to provide more stability to the two-point slingis placing the sling under one arm, over the head and over the othershoulder. In this manner, the sling diagonally crosses the chest of theuser. This method, however, is not ideal as the ability to draw theweapon quickly to fire, as would a hunter or soldier, is impeded. Users,therefore, typically only place the strap or sling over one shoulder,making the long gun susceptible to sliding down the shoulder or rotatingbackwards, as shown in FIG. 7.

One-point of attachment slings are also available in which the sling orstrap is affixed to the gun at one location and the gun essentiallyhangs in front or back of the user while the sling is engaged under onearm of the user and over the opposite shoulder. The problem with knownone- or two-point of contact slings is that while the user is intransit, the sling tends to be loose causing the weapon to swing freely.

With two-point straps worn over one shoulder, while the user is intransit the strap tends to slide off of the shoulder, causing the userto have to repeatedly readjust the sling and again place it high uponthe shoulder. Worse yet, the weapon falls to the ground, where it may bedamaged or discharge. Thus, there is a need for an enhanced slingapparatus that permits the user to quickly and smoothly draw the weaponwhile keeping it secure against the user's body and preventing slippageand sliding of the sling and eventually dropping of the weapon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are setforth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well asa preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, willbe best understood by reference to the following detailed description ofillustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1A depicts a front perspective view of a user of an embodiment ofthe present security sling.

FIG. 1B depicts a rear perspective view of a user of an embodiment ofthe present security sling.

FIG. 2 depicts multiple perspective view of a user of an embodiment ofthe present security sling.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentsecurity sling.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a tie of an embodiment the presentsecurity sling.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of strap connector of an embodiment ofthe present security sling.

FIG. 6A depicts a perspective view of an operation of an embodiment thepresent security sling.

FIG. 6B depicts a perspective view of an operation of an embodiment ofthe present security sling.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of changes in position of a firearmequipped with a two-point sling.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Several embodiments of Applicant's invention will now be described withreference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will beidentified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The inventionillustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absenceof any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description ofthe presently embodiments of the invention, and is not intended torepresent the only form in which the present invention may beconstructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions andsequences of steps for constructing and operating the invention. It isto be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions andsequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they arealso intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.

Referring now to the figures, which are provided for purposes ofillustrating an embodiment of the present invention only, and not forpurposes of limiting the same, a user of the presently disclosedtwo-point enhanced security firearm sling is shown. In FIGS. 1A and 1B,the front and rear view of a user of the present security sling is showncarrying a rifle 120 having a barrel end 130 and a stock end 140. Thebarrel end includes a sling clip ring 115 secured to or near the end ofthe forestock 132. Two point sling 150 is secured to rifle 120 at oneend of stock 116 and at a second end at sling clip ring 115. Two pointsling 150 may be constructed of various materials such as nylon,leather, cotton, polyester, or a blended material and may be equippedwith appropriate padding for added user comfort. The connection at thestock 116 may be via a ring affixed to stock 116, or through a slotformed within stock 116. Alternatively, the stock end of two point sling150 may be formed as an adjustable loop that may be secured around stock116 so as the loop is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of rifle120. Overall, the stock end of two-point sling 150 may be affixed tostock 116 in any appropriate manner.

The present security sling 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is affixed totwo-point sling 150 having a first connection end 102 and a secondconnection end 104 shown in detail in FIG. 3. Securing sling 100operates to secure and stabilize rifle 120 firmly against the user'sbody and two-point sling 150 in a manner that prevents slippage oftwo-point sling 150 in a downward direction along the shoulder and downthe arm of the user. In one embodiment, the first connection end 102 ofsecuring sling 100 is affixed to a point along a central section oftwo-point sling 150. The second connection end 104 of securing sling 100is affixed at sling clip ring 115, which is behind the user. Additionalviews of a user wearing security 100 are provided in FIG. 2.

A detailed view of securing sling 100 is depicted in FIG. 3. Securingsling 100 includes a main strap 111 and first connection end 102 andsecond connection end 104 for fastening securing sling 100 to thetwo-point sling 150 and sling clip ring 115, respectively. At firstconnection end 102 is, in one embodiment, squeeze clip insertion end 114for insertion into a corresponding receiver end of a squeeze clip to bedescribed. Squeeze clip insertion end 114 is affixed to main strap 111by inserting main strap 111 through a slot area formed within theinsertion end of the squeeze clip. The ability of main strap 111 toslide though the slot are of the squeeze clip enables adjustment of theeffective length of securing sling 100 to accommodate users of differentsizes. A single push button connector may be used in lieu of a squeezeclip that may be disengaged by the user through pressing an upwardfacing button with the palm of the hand. The strapping for securitysling 100 may be made in one embodiment of one inch width nylon webbinghaving a load rate of 3000 pounds.

Second connection end 104 of securing sling 100 has secured at its end aclip 112 to fasten securing sling 100 to the rifle via sling clip ring115. In one embodiment, clip 112 is a commercially available H&K metalcarabiner style clip having a 184 lb. load bearing rating. Other clipsthat are generally detachable and of sufficient strength to bear thelong rifle load can serve a clip 112. Such a clip 112 is attached tomain strap 111 of securing sling 100 through a slot formed in the bodyare of clip 112. Clip 112 has main strap 111 secured therein bystitching the end of main strap 111 that is folded over itself afterpassage through the slot of clip 112 as shown in FIG. 3. Main strap 111may be secured at point 113 after passage through the slot of clip 112by sewing, stapling, gluing, melting or other suitable means of securingmain strap 111 to clip 112 may be employed. The arrangement of mainstrap 111 inserted into the slot of clip 112 allows clip 112 to rotateor swivel freely, enabling ease of attachment and removal of clip 112 toand from clip ring 115. Tail end 302 of main strap 111 may be used totighten security sling 100 against the body of the user. The span ofmain strap 111 may be adjusted in length between first connection 102 atsqueeze clip insertion end 114 and second connection end 104 and clip112.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of strap connector 500 that connects mainstrap 111 of the securing sling 100 at one end to two-point strap 150.Strap connector 500 includes a squeeze clip receiving end 510 thatengages with insertion end 114 of squeeze clip for connection of firstconnection end 102 of main strap 111 to the two-point strap 150. Strapconnector 500 includes a strap body 502 that is fastened to squeeze clipreceiving end 510 by insertion of the end of main strap body 502 throughan opening formed within squeeze clip receiving end 510, folding thestrap end over itself after insertion through the opening and thenfastening the strap end to the main strap body 502 by sewing, gluing,melting, stapling or other suitable fastening means at fastening point508.

Strap connector 500 is connected to main strap 111 of securing sling 100through a hook and loop material 507 such commercially available Velcrosituated at distal end 506 of strap body 502 of strap connector 500.Distal end 506 of strap body 502 of strap connector 500 may be wrappedor folded around two-point sling 150 at a point P (FIG. 1) above themidway point of two-point sling 150 and secured with contact between thehook and loop material 507. This connection secures two-point sling 150within the loop formed of distal end 506 of strap body 502 by foldingdistal end 506 over itself and around two-point sling 150. Strap body502 of strap connector 500 may be affixed to two-point sling 150 throughother acceptable means, such as stitching, gluing, melting, stapling andthe like.

FIG. 6A depicts security sling 100 attached at the second connection end104 with clip 112 engaged with sling clip ring 115 and the firstconnection end 102 unattached, leaving main strap 111 of security sling100 hanging freely from rifle 120. To avoid this, while the securitysling is not in use, main strap 111 may be engaged to two-point sling150 by securing the free end of main strap 111 to the end of two-pointsling 150 approximate to rifle stock 140, in one embodiment, with doubletie 116, the components of which are shown in FIG. 4. Double tie 116includes four strap sections 401, 402, 408, 409 made of nylon, cloth orother suitable material. Each strap section has a hole or slot punchedfor formed through one end. The four strap sections 401, 402, 408, 409are aligned according to the holes or slots and secured together to anupper fastener piece 403 and lower fastener piece 405, that are securedwhen engaged. Strap sections 401, 402, 408, 409 may be joined orfastened by other acceptable means, such as stitching, gluing, melting,stapling and the like.

Each strap section 401, 402, 408, 409 includes hook and loop material406, 407 and opposite sides of corresponding strap section pairs. Thatis, “hook” material 406 is situated on the upper side of strap section401 and “loop” material 407 is situated on the to side of paired strapsection 402. This arrangement allows sections 401 and 402 to form a tiewhen the ends of strap sections 401 and 402 are folded upward and form aclosed loop when the paired hook and loop material engages. Similarly,hook material 406 is situated on the upper side of strap section 408 andloop material 407 is situated on the lower side of corresponding strapsection 409. In this manner, when strap sections 408 and 409 are foldeddownward and form a closed loop when the paired hook and loop materialengages.

Double tie 116 formed from the paired strap sections 401, 402, 408 and409 may be opened and closed with ease by the user. The upper tie ofdouble tie 116 may be affixed to two-point sling 150 near stock 140 ofrifle 120 and the lower tie of double tie 116 may be opened to receivemain strap 111 of security sling 100, as shown in FIG. 6B. Similarly,the double tie 116 may be affixed to main strap 111 of security sling100 at a point along near free end 306 of main strap 111. Once the lowertie of double tie 116 receives main strap 111, the lower tie may beclosed by mating the hook and loop material disposed on strap sections408 and 409 as described above with respect to FIG. 4. In this manner,as seen in FIG. 6B security sling 100 is conveniently and effectivelystored in parallel with two-point sling 150 so as to not interfere withthe use of the rifle. At the same time, main strap 111 of security sling100 may be easily released to enable engagement of main strap 111 ofsecurity sling 150 with two-point sling 150 via engagement of theinsertion end and receiving end of squeeze clip. The main strap 111 maythen be easily disengaged again and stored away by coupling main strap111 to two-point sling 150 with double tie 116. Security sling 100 mayalso be completely disengaged from the weapon by decoupling the squeezeclip or other fastening means employed and removing clip 112 from slingclip ring 115. The user may then store security sling 100 away while inthe field or otherwise compactly in a pocket, backpack or the like.

In operation, security sling is worn by the user to prevent slippage ofa long gun, such as a rifle, with a typical two-point sling 150 placedover the shoulder of a user. FIG. 7 depicts the movement and slippage towhich the rifle having only a two-point sling 150 is susceptible. InFIG. 7, rifle 120 having only a two-point sling 150 that is situated onthe user's shoulder is initially placed in an initial desired position702. Almost immediately, however, if the user is walking, running oreven stationary, the two-point sling 150 will move in a downwarddirection 704 or rotate counterclockwise away from initial position 702to position 708. This is particularly common when the user is wearingoutdoor gear of a water resistant type that is slick, making thetwo-point sling more likely to slide or shift. Also, if the user iswearing bulky clothing the sling is likely to shift or rotate.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the security sling of the present inventionis placed across the chest or torso, under the arm and around the backof the user to provide a secure means for keeping a rifle in placeduring transit or non-use by effectively tightening the two-point slingand preventing slippage of the two-point sling down the user's shoulder.The user connects the security sling of the present invention to atraditional two-point long gun sling. The two-point sling is connectedto a long gun at or near the stock end and at the other end on a slingclip located on or near the barrel or on the forestock. The securitysling in engaged with the two-point sling by connecting a strapconnector to the two-way sling at a connection point that is typicallynear or above the mid-section of the two-way sling by adhering a freeend of the strap connector by folding the free end of the strapconnector about the two-way sling and engaging hook and loop materialsituated on the strap connector. The security sling's strap connectorincludes a receiving end of a squeeze clip or other appropriatefastener. When the security sling is in use, the main strap of thesecurity sling includes an insertion end of a squeeze clip that itengaged with the receiving end of the squeeze clip. A swiveling clip issituated on the opposite end of the main strap that enable attachment ofthe main strap via the swiveling clip to the strap clip on or near thebarrel or on the forestock.

The user of the present security sling removes the main strap from thedouble causing the main strap to be free at one end. The security slingis then engaged by wrapping the main strap around the torso of the user.The user then inserts the insertion piece of the squeeze clip located onthe end of the main strap into the receiving end of the squeeze clip ofthe strap connector that is situated at or above the midway point of thetwo-point sling. In this manner, the user is provided with a two-pointsling having enhanced security that prevent unwanted slippage of thetwo-point strap and rifle down the user's shoulder. At the same time,the user may quickly and efficiently disengage the main strap in orderto draw the rifle to a shooting position. In a properly engaged positionof the security sling, the main strap is engaged at the sling ringlocated on the rifle barrel or forestock. The other end of the mainstrap of the security sling is attached to the two-point sling byengaging the two halves of the associated fastener, such as a squeezeclip or single button connector that may be disengaged with a press bythe palm of the hand. When engaged, the main strap will traverse thechest of the user, providing enhanced stability and security of thetwo-point sling and rifle.

Additional modifications or enhancements of the present invention mayalso be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, theparticular combination of components described and photographs hereinare intended to represent only certain embodiments of the presentinvention, and are not intended to serve as limitations of apparatus,systems and methods within the spirit and scope of the invention.

While the disclosed embodiments have been described with reference toone or more particular implementations, these implementations are notintended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of theinvention. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatmany modifications and alterations to the disclosed embodiments areavailable. Therefore, each of the foregoing embodiments and obviousvariants thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scopeof the disclosed inventions.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION

The following clauses are offered as further description of thedisclosed invention:

Clause 1. A firearm security sling apparatus, comprising:

-   -   A first strap comprising    -   a releasable clip disposed at a first end of the first strap;        and    -   a detachable clip disposed at a second end of the first strap,    -   a second strap comprising a releasable clip receiver disposed at        a first end of the second strap; and    -   a self-adhering fastening end having hook and loop material        disposed thereon,    -   wherein the detachable clip is connectable to a firearm.        Clause 2. The firearm security sling apparatus of any proceeding        or preceding clause, wherein the self-adhering fastening end of        the second strap is connectable to a firearm sling        Clause 3. The firearm security sling apparatus of any proceeding        or preceding clause, further comprising a looped tie for        securing the first strap to a firearm sling.        Clause 4. The firearm security sling apparatus of any proceeding        or preceding clause, wherein the first strap and the second        strap are manufactured from nylon.        Clause 5. The firearm security sling apparatus of any proceeding        or preceding clause, wherein the detachable clip comprises a        carabiner clip.        Clause 6. The firearm security sling apparatus of any proceeding        or preceding clause, wherein the releasable clip comprises a        squeeze clip.        Clause 7. The firearm security sling apparatus of any proceeding        or preceding clause, wherein the releasable clip comprises a        button enabling releasing the releasable clip when depressed.        Clause 8. The firearm security sling apparatus of any proceeding        or preceding clause, wherein the first strap further comprises a        padded section.        Clause 9. A method for securing a firearm sling, comprising:    -   connecting a detachable clip disposed at a second end of a first        strap to a receiving ring disposed on an end of a firearm        barrel;    -   connecting a second end of a second strap to a firearm sling;    -   inserting a releasable clip disposed at a first end of the first        strap into a releasable clip receiver disposed at a first end of        the second strap; and    -   adjusting a length of the first strap between the releasable        clip and the detachable clip by sliding the releasable clip        along the first strap.        Clause 10. The method of any proceeding or preceding clause,        further comprising securing the first strap to the firearm sling        by looping a first tie disposed on the first strap into a second        tie disposed on the firearm sling.        Clause 11. The method of any proceeding or preceding clause,        further comprising positioning the firearm sling over a shoulder        of a user.        Clause 12. The method of any proceeding or preceding clause,        further comprising positioning the first strap across an upper        torso portion of a user.        Clause 13. A firearm security system, comprising:    -   a two-point rifle sling having a first end associated with a        proximate end of a rifle stock and a second end associated with        a distal end of the rifle stock;    -   a ring associated with a distal end of the rifle stock;    -   a first strap comprising:        -   a releasable clip disposed at a first end of the first            strap; and        -   a detachable clip disposed at a second end of the first            strap,    -   a second strap comprising        -   a releasable clip receiver disposed at a first end of the            second strap; and        -   a self-adhering fastening end having hook and loop material            disposed thereon, wherein the detachable clip is connectable            to the ring.            Clause 14. The firearm security system of any proceeding or            preceding clause, wherein the self-adhering fastening end of            the second strap is connectable to the two-point rifle            sling.            Clause 15. The firearm security system of any proceeding or            preceding clause, further comprising a looped tie for            securing the first strap to the two-point rifle sling.            Clause 16. The firearm security system of any proceeding or            preceding clause, wherein the first strap and the second            strap are manufactured from nylon.            Clause 17. The firearm security system of any proceeding or            preceding clause, wherein the detachable clip comprises a            carabiner clip.            Clause 18. The firearm security system of any proceeding or            preceding clause, wherein the releasable clip comprises a            squeeze clip.            Clause 19. The firearm security system of any proceeding or            preceding clause, wherein the releasable clip comprises a            button enabling releasing the releasable clip when            depressed.            Clause 20. The firearm security system of any proceeding or            preceding clause, wherein the first strap further comprises            a padded section.

What is claimed is:
 1. A firearm security sling apparatus, comprising: Afirst strap comprising a releasable clip disposed at a first end of thefirst strap; and a detachable clip disposed at a second end of the firststrap, a second strap comprising a releasable clip receiver disposed ata first end of the second strap; and a self-adhering fastening endhaving hook and loop material disposed thereon, wherein the detachableclip is connectable to a firearm.
 2. The firearm security slingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the self-adhering fastening end of thesecond strap is connectable to a firearm sling
 3. The firearm securitysling of claim 1, further comprising a looped tie for securing the firststrap to a firearm sling.
 4. The firearm security sling of claim 1,wherein the first strap and the second strap are manufactured fromnylon.
 5. The firearm security sling of claim 1, wherein the detachableclip comprises a carabiner clip.
 6. The firearm security sling of claim1, wherein the releasable clip comprises a squeeze clip.
 7. The firearmsecurity sling of claim 1, wherein the releasable clip comprises abutton enabling releasing the releasable clip when depressed.
 8. Thefirearm security sling of claim 1, wherein the first strap furthercomprises a padded section.
 9. A method for securing a firearm sling,comprising: connecting a detachable clip disposed at a second end of afirst strap to a receiving ring disposed on an end of a firearm barrel;connecting a second end of a second strap to a firearm sling; insertinga releasable clip disposed at a first end of the first strap into areleasable clip receiver disposed at a first end of the second strap;and adjusting a length of the first strap between the releasable clipand the detachable clip by sliding the releasable clip along the firststrap.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising securing the firststrap to the firearm sling by looping a first tie disposed on the firststrap into a second tie disposed on the firearm sling.
 11. The method ofclaim 9, further comprising positioning the firearm sling over ashoulder of a user.
 12. The method of claim 9, further comprisingpositioning the first strap across an upper torso portion of a user. 13.A firearm security system, comprising: a two-point rifle sling having afirst end associated with a proximate end of a rifle stock and a secondend associated with a distal end of the rifle stock; a ring associatedwith a distal end of the rifle stock; a first strap comprising: areleasable clip disposed at a first end of the first strap; and adetachable clip disposed at a second end of the first strap, a secondstrap comprising a releasable clip receiver disposed at a first end ofthe second strap; and a self-adhering fastening end having hook and loopmaterial disposed thereon, wherein the detachable clip is connectable tothe ring.
 14. The firearm security system of claim 13, wherein theself-adhering fastening end of the second strap is connectable to thetwo-point rifle sling.
 15. The firearm security system of claim 13,further comprising a looped tie for securing the first strap to thetwo-point rifle sling.
 16. The firearm security system of claim 13,wherein the first strap and the second strap are manufactured fromnylon.
 17. The firearm security system of claim 13, wherein thedetachable clip comprises a carabiner clip.
 18. The firearm securitysystem of claim 13, wherein the releasable clip comprises a squeezeclip.
 19. The firearm security system of claim 13, wherein thereleasable clip comprises a button enabling releasing the releasableclip when depressed.
 20. The firearm security system of claim 13,wherein the first strap further comprises a padded section.